World Cup 2014: Germany fans could be allowed to go into work late as union bosses call on leniency to allow supporters to watch late kick-offs

Most games will begin after midnight in Germany and a 6am start could pose a problem to World Cup fans, but union bosses have proposed a later start for the duration of the tournament

German football fans could have the luxury of rolling into work later than usual during the World Cup after union bosses called on employers to demonstrate leniency if the national team kick-off their campaign for glory after midnight.

Such is the scheduling of the tournament, which is being held in Brazil, many games will begin after midnight in Germany, but union chiefs have asked for certain allowances when it comes to late arrivals the morning after a late night of World Cup football.

Robert Feiger, head of the construction, engineering and forestry union IGBAU, said: “It would be a noble move by employers if they showed a bit of flexibility during the World Cup. For Germany games after 10pm, work should start a little bit later if possible.”

Michael Vassiliadis, who represents IG BCE for mining, chemicals and recycling industries, echoed Feiger’s comments as employees are often required to start work as early as 6am.

“Employers and work councils should talk about rearranging shifts so that their staff can watch World Cup games,” Vassiliadis concluded.

Leading German newspaper Bild has reported that some employers’ associations are already backing the proposals to allow a later start, and Wolfgang Steiger, of the Christian Democratic Union party, has called for an agreement to be reached halfway between the two.

However, the proposal may be a sign of Germany’s optimism heading into the showpiece tournament, with Joachim Low’s side among the favourites for success. As it stands, Germany would not kick-off any of their matches beyond 10pm CET until the round of the last 16, and they will need to come through a group that contains Ghana, Portugal and the USA, although fans will no doubt expect them to progress.

There are no plans for such a proposal in England just yet, although Roy Hodgson’s side begin their opening match against Italy at 11pm GMT, meaning fans will face a 1am bedtime at best – providing they haven’t gone out to watch the match at the pub after Prime Minister David Cameron announced opening hours will be extended to allow the public to enjoy the match together.